The stand-in. Jason Garrett makes his home debut as the Cowboys interim head coach after a successful debut last week against the Giants. Dallas is trying to win consecutive games for the first time this season.

Going deep. Cowboys QB Jon Kitna connected on a lot of deep shots last week, using formations and route combinations to create one-on-one matchups. The Cowboys will try to exploit the Lions’ secondary in similar fashion.

Something’s got to give. Both teams are looking to end ignominious skids. The Cowboys are winless at home this season, and the Lions have lost 25 consecutive road games.

Three key Cowboys

CB Orlando Scandrick. The Cowboys need him to play well this week because starters Mike Jenkins (strained neck) and Terence Newman (sprained ankle) might not be able to play the entire game. Jenkins missed the second half against the Giants, and Newman played only in nickel situations.

DE Igor Olshansky. He is part of the reason the Cowboys did a good job against the run last week, holding Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw to 73 yards on 20 carries. The Lions don’t run the ball well, and the Cowboys need to make them one-dimensional this week so they can attack QB Shaun Hill.

WR Dez Bryant. The rookie is getting more playing time each week. In the first five games, the Cowboys used him primarily in three-receiver formations. But he is starting to get action in two-receiver formations. In the last three games, he has more yards and receptions than Miles Austin and Roy Williams combined.

Three key Lions

DT Ndamukong Suh. The rookie leads all defensive tackles with 6.5 sacks and has a fumble return for a touchdown. He’s a disruptive force in the middle of the defense and has an opportunity to dominate this week because the Cowboys’ center-guard play has been spotty much of the season.

WR Calvin Johnson. In the midst of another solid season, Johnson can run any route you want and is adept at leaping over smaller defenders to make a play. Dallas has allowed four 100-yard receivers, and no one should be surprised if he makes it five this week.

RB Jahvid Best. The Lions do a good job of putting the ball in the rookie’s hands. Best has 124 carries, 90 more than anyone else on the team, and 45 receptions, good for second on the team. He averages 8.0 yards per catch by making defenders miss in space.

Bottom line

The Cowboys took a step toward making something out of this lost season, but will they continue to practice hard, focus and play well on Sunday? Or will they revert to their previous poor habits during the week and turn in a listless performance? The Lions have lost five games by five points or less. Dallas has more talent and should win, but the Lions are more than capable of ending their road skid. Prediction: Cowboys 23, Lions 14.